XV.
THE CONFERENCES.

There were several reasons why the first wonder and rush of surmises as to the reappearance of Aleph did not last long. They were let alone severely. And then the rumors of an approaching visit from the Cæsar grew stronger every day; and all eyes and tongues were strongly drawn toward the daughter of Alexander and her probable views and feelings as to the great alliance. In addition, the air was now full of the great trials that were to come off in a few days—Malus against the two brothers, Malus against Cimon, and Cimon against Malus. That Malus should venture to attack anybody was not a matter for surprise; but that anybody should venture to attack Malus was indeed wonderful. So the city had plenty to talk about without querying long as to the where and how of Aleph’s escape, with nobody to answer questions.

The public interest grew exceedingly when it became plain, as it soon did, that the contest would not be between two individuals, but between two great parties. On the one side were Malus and the Flacci with their host of dependents: on the other was Cimon, supported by all the influence and forces of Seti and Alexander, as well as by the good-will and prestige and family influence of both branches of the University, with which Aleph was now unboundedly popular. Though he firmly declined to give any information as to who the chief criminal in his abduction was, and what the place of his confinement, and how he was rescued, the students were not offended—following the lead of Cornelius and a few others who had specially attached themselves to him, and to whom he had said that his silence was to save embarrassment to Cimon and other friends in their affairs. They looked in his face and believed him. They heard the ring of his voice and were content both with him and his friend—with Cimon, because he was his friend. As Malus soon had occasion to know. Not a student entered his warehouse. If one saw him coming he ostentatiously crossed to the other side of the street. And the vexed trader was compelled to listen to some serenades that were neither very musical nor very complimentary. Of all such demonstrations in his favor, Aleph was ignorant; though he was well aware on what side the sympathies of his fellow-students were enlisted.

I have said that the public assumed that the Flaccan influence would be cast in favor of Malus. But one day an event occurred which unsettled at least the University part of the public on this point. At the close of one of Seti’s lectures and before the students had left, a herald appeared at the door and announced his Excellency the Governor. Seti stepped forward after a very cool and stately fashion to receive the dignitary; and inquired what he could do to pleasure his Excellency. His Excellency stated that he was fond of young men, and liked to look in upon them now and then, in their curriculum; but that his special object to-day was to congratulate both him and his young friend, who he believed was called Aleph the Chaldean, on the success of the measures for the rescue of the latter.

“I do congratulate you most heartily, venerable Sir—as I know that you are much interested in the young man. Is he present?” And Flaccus looked about on the students as if to discover him.

“Will Aleph the Chaldean come forward?” said Seti: “His Excellency wishes to congratulate him in person on his safety.”

The young men were too much interested in what was passing to stand on ceremony. The better to see everything, they stepped on the seats and pommelled down obnoxious shoulders and heads. And they saw Aleph advance, not only without embarrassment, but with a grace and even majesty that would have become a king. And yet the kingly way was so unaffected and so modest in its expression, as not to be offensive.